Brawner to incoming PMA cadets: Huwag matakot, magandang academy ang dadatnan nila

Philippine Military Academy (PMA) commandant Brigadier General Romeo Brawner on Sunday assured incoming cadets a ‘changed’ academy after the fatal hazing incident that killed Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio in September.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV aired on GMA News TV, Brawner advised incoming cadets not to be afraid of studying in the academy as a lot of changes have already been implemented in the PMA.

“'Yung mga papasok pa lang na mga kadete, huwag silang matakot because marami na po tayong ginagawang pagbabago,” Brawner said.

“By the time they enter the academy, next year, mas magandang academy ang dadatnan nila,” he added.

According to Brawner, PMA superintendent Rear Admiral Allan Cusi said the academy will aim to develop "warriors with a heart and soul.”

Brawner and Cusi replaced, respectively, Brigadier General Bartolome Bacarro and Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista who both resigned following Dormitorio's death.

According to Brawner, he declared a ‘war against hazing’ in the academy as he took over as the new commandant of the PMA.

"We are requesting for more tactical officers na ma-assign sa PMA," he said. At present, Brawner said only one or two tactical officers are assigned per cadet academy.

“Gusto ko sanang dagdagan ito. Let’s say apat, para bumaba ang ratio ng tactical officers to cadet. Mas maraming tsansa na makakapagbantay itong mga tactical officers natin,” he added.

More than just watching over the cadets, Brawner said mentoring them is also important. Aside from these, he is also aiming to enhance the implementation of the honor code and its system.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to the parents ng mga kadete ngayon. Huwag kayong mag-alala. We are taking care of your sons and daughters whether they are first class cadets or upper class cadets. Lahat po sila ay aalagaan po natin,” Brawner said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News